Council seeks submissions on Portlick

Athlone Advertiser, Thu, Dec 18, 2014

Westmeath County Council is seeking input from the public on how the lands in council ownership at Portlick, Glasson, Athlone should be managed, both in the short and the longer term. The council needs your help to get the best use out of this site for locals and visitors alike, developing it on a phased basis.

The high quality of the entire land holding of Westmeath County Council is reflected in its conservation designations, including the habitats directive. The council has recently undertaken a preliminary habitat assessment exercise and has prepared the first phase of a plan in consultation with the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

The proposed first phase provides for the segregation of horse and pedestrian users, along with the improvement and promotion of existing walking trails in association with the National Trails Office.

Subject to the outcome of consultations the council is proposing to proceed with these works in the early part of 2015.

Any person or group with an interest in the development and/or use of the facilities on council-owned lands in Portlick should take the opportunity to submit their views to [email protected], or Planning Department, Westmeath County Council, Áras an Chontae, Mullingar by Friday January 2. An online survey, draft map, and schedule of works are available under the heading ‘Items on Public Display’ on the Planning section of Westmeath County Council’s website.

Further details can be sought from the Forward Planning section of Westmeath County Council at (044 ) 9332000.